The Congress was sharply criticised by its ally the NCP on Friday, with Union minister Praful Patel blasting the ruling party for its ineptitude and misrule. Patel also went on to praise Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

"If Narendra Modi won in Gujarat because of the division of secular votes, it is time to introspect why it happened," Patel told party workers in Mumbai, adding words of praise for Modi for the people's trust in him.

The Union heavy industries minister said the NCP candidates in Gujarat had lost because the Congress had fielded candidates against them.

"Our bigger partner (the Congress) chose to pitch candidates against us in the state ignoring the sacrifice we have made all these years," Patel said.

According to Patel, the Congress had a tie-up with the NCP to avoid division of secular votes. But the Congress put up candidates in the nine seats that the NCP was contesting from and the NCP consequently won only two.

Patel also praised Modi, saying, "Modi was successful in gaining the trust of the people. He won due to the work he has done."

The NCP leader also warned the Congress that its days as the single largest party were over. "The days when only one party ruled are over.

For the next 25 years, it will be coalition politics and every party has its say," Patel said, hinting that the NCP won't be tied down anymore. When contacted by Mail Today later in the day, Patel defended his comments praising Modi, citing his good governance model as the "way out to win political seats".

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"It was a party function and the speakers were talking about expanding the party base and support in Maharashtra and the neighbouring regions.

In that context, I said Maharashtra leaders must get the appreciation of the people with their good work as Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi has done with his good governance initiatives."

Patel, however, quickly added, "We may be having ideological differences with Modi, but cannot ignore his government's work. In Maharashtra, the Congress is in power with the NCP and we must increase the share of our political power among the electorate and try to win more seats. We must do some good work to show. And in doing so, the two parties must have the mutual share of responsibility."

But Patel ruled out immediate snapping of ties with the Congress over the issue.

"That is not a possibility… But it can't work like this either," he said. Patel also said how NCP chief Sharad Pawar was a much sought after leader in Delhi and how he could play a major role in the 2014 elections. "We know there are two-three leaders who enjoy respect of the people. And Pawar saheb is one of them.

There are a lot of developments you will see in politics. From this office (agriculture portfolio), let us make efforts to put Pawar saheb in a bigger place," he said, hinting that he could emerge as a contender to the Prime Minister's post in 2014 if no party gets a majority. Another NCP leader Tariq Anwar also pointed out on Friday how even rivals were praising NCP chief Pawar.

Anwar recounted how Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi had recently invited Pawar to join the NDA and become its prime ministerial candidate. "One should take note when even the enemy praises you," Anwar said.